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ACTS: LESSON 7

VII. THE PROBLEM OF NEGLECTING THE HELLENIST WIDOWS AND STEPHEN'S DEFENSE BEFORE         THE COUNCIL (6:1-8:1).

A. Apostles command church to appoint seven qualified men to see after needs of Grecian widows (6:1-6).

B. The word increases - priests are obedient to the faith (6:7).

C. Various Hellenist groups dispute with Stephen and bring false accusations against him before the council (6:7-15).

D. Stephen defends self with history lesson for Jews showing their history of rejecting the Holy Spirit (7:1-53).

E. Stephen stoned to death as a consenting young man named Saul looks on (7:54-8:1).

QUESTIONS:

1. What two groups were involved in an internal dissension in the church?

2. What THREE qualifications were given for the seven?

3. To what did the apostles intend to give themselves?

4. Many of the ___________ were ___________ to the faith?

5. From what places did Stephen's opponents come?

6. What charges were made against Stephen?

7. How were the events surrounding Joseph, Moses, and the prophets relevant to Stephen's audience?

8. How did Stephen defend himself on the charge of blaspheming the temple?

9. Did Stephen make a mistake in giving the number of Jacob's family at seventy-five whereas Gen.46:27 gives it as seventy?

10. With what prayer did Stephen die?

11. Who kept the coats of those who stoned Stephen?  What would indicate that he was also on the council?